Living life one damn day at a time.

Saudi’s Ask United Nations For Aid – Say What?

Here in the opulent and ostentatious office of The Curmudgeon, we are, financially speaking, well off. This is not because of the money we make in our endeavors, but what we have made I have invested wisely. We own one of the largest oil fields in the world and I have invested in properties both here and abroad (among other things – possibly illegal). And yet, I have decided to petition the United Nations for aid.

One palace's doors.

How can I do this? Because I can. I figure if the Saudi’s can do it, why not me? Saudi Arabia is ruled by the royal family, the House of Saud, led by King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. There are 7000 to 25000 members of the family (depending on who you talk to) but only about 200 or so hold the power and influence. They sit on the largest oil reserve in the world, and oil revenues go into the Saud’s…um…fanny packs? What do they carry their money in? Oh, it’s probably that servant with the suitcase. Of course, that means any government expenses come from the Saud’s too, but that leaves a sizable chunk to the family, some estimate as much as 40% and up to 1 Trillion dollars, most of which is spent on opulent palaces, luxury yachts, and tricked-out private jets.

But they need the money, just like I do. If all this “reduce dependence on oil” crap comes to fruition, think what it will do to the Saud’s income? Why it’s un-Saudi Arabian! “This despite an International Energy Agency report released this week showing that OPEC revenues would still increase $23 trillion between 2008 and 2030 — a fourfold increase compared to the period from 1985 to 2007 — if countries agree to significantly slash emissions and thereby cut their use of oil.” (dailystar.com., Oct. 9, 2009)

Poor dears! Poor me! Of course the royal family could get by on a little less, but those palaces, yachts and jets need maintenance, so they have to think ahead.

This request for Saudi aid has come during negotiations for a world agreement to reduce carbon emissions, and an “Arab

A Saudi palace interior.

environmental group IndyACT and the environmental group Germanwatch released a report today accusing Saudi Arabia of blocking key elements of the negotiations. Among their tactics, the groups said, was slowing negotiations by insisting that the economic woes of oil producers be included in the text.” (ibid)

That’s just the beginning of the Saudi’s arrogance. The palace pictured at the top had to be demolished because it was too revered, and opulence and prayer don’t mix, so the subjects demanded it’s destruction. A member of the Saudi Royal family agreed to an interview in Las Vegas, having consumed a few drinks: “We’ll just build another one,” said Prince Himarshi al-Saud. (The Fig Tribune, May 22, 2009)

“…wallahi we’ll build the tallest freaking palace in the world in its place.”